The Effect of Birth Ball Use on Labor Duration
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Authors
Bunger, Eva
Johnson, Callie
Date of Issue
2025-04-25
Type
Presentation
Language
en_US
Subject Keywords
Other Titles
Abstract
Prolonged labor can increase maternal fatigue, risk of medical interventions, and overall dissatisfaction with the birthing experience. There is a growing focus in the obstetric field on non-pharmacologic interventions to improve labor outcomes and birth experience. Birthing balls are an accessible non-pharmacologic laboring tool. A birthing ball is a large, inflatable exercise ball that is used to increase pelvic movement, promote optimal fetal positioning, and enhance maternal comfort during labor. Labor duration refers to the time from the onset of regular contractions to the delivery of the baby. In this context, birthing ball movement refers to pelvic movements performed while seated on the birthing ball, including but not limited to rocking, bouncing, or circular movements.
The purpose of this Evidence-Based Practice review is to evaluate whether the use of birthing ball movements during labor can reduce the duration of labor compared to women who do not use a birthing ball. This review examines current research related to birthing ball use and labor outcomes, specifically looking at labor length. The purpose of the paper is to provide nurses with current knowledge and supply evidence-based practices to support laboring individuals. Nurses or other healthcare providers can use this information to provide laboring patients with an accessible, low-cost intervention to improve maternal outcomes and decrease labor duration.
Description
Abstract only.